Today, artificial intelligence (AI) profoundly impacts both individuals and societies. Among these effects, perhaps the most intricate is the potential transformation of human intelligence. Scientific research suggests that technological tools can weaken certain cognitive functions while enhancing others. However, there is no long-term evidence yet to support the notion that AI directly and permanently lowers human IQ.

Throughout history, humanity has reshaped its mental capacities in response to new technologies. The printing press increased access to information and literacy; calculators took over routine calculations. The internet revolutionized our methods of seeking knowledge. Now, the question of how to define human intelligence in the era of AI is once again at the forefront.

Examining AI’s impact on human intelligence is not merely a technological issue but also a sociocultural one. Historically, humans have supported their minds with external tools: computers and smartphones are continuations of this process, with AI representing a more autonomous and “intelligent” phase. AI can alter how and to what extent we use different components of intelligence, such as memory, problem-solving, decision-making, and social interaction.

In this article, we will explore the transformation of human intelligence in the AI era across dimensions like cognitive offloading, memory/attention, intelligence measurement, education, the business world, and ethics. We will evaluate existing evidence and discussions while avoiding speculative approaches.

Cognitive Offloading: Lightening the Brain or Encouraging Laziness?

“Cognitive offloading” refers to the delegation of mental tasks to external tools. Smartphones, GPS, search engines, and AI systems are examples of such tools. But does this process weaken intelligence or enhance its potential? Cognitive sciences continue to debate this question.

Some studies indicate that the use of digital tools can lead to distraction and a decline in memory performance. For instance, individuals who constantly receive notifications may struggle with tasks requiring focus, or heavy GPS use might affect their ability to create “mental maps.”

On the other hand, it is argued that cognitive offloading can free up mental resources for more complex and creative tasks. According to this view, delegating routine tasks to machines allows the human mind to concentrate on higher-level functions such as abstraction, conceptual thinking, and social interaction.

However, the positive or negative outcomes of this scenario depend on how we use technology. There are cognitive differences between a user who questions AI and reflects on its outputs and a passive consumer.

Memory and Recall in AI Users

Recently, studies have focused on the memory and recall abilities of those using AI tools, particularly GPT-based applications. These studies typically:

  • Assign tasks to participants with and without AI assistance,
  • Compare their recall performance in subsequent tests.

Most findings are short-term and limited by small sample sizes; comprehensive causal studies are still lacking.

For now, it is more accurate to say:

  • AI and digital tools can have short-term weakening effects on certain memory and attention tasks.
  • However, claiming “AI permanently damages our memory” requires long-term and comprehensive studies.

Memory, Attention, and Critical Thinking: Risks and Transformations

In the AI era, fundamental skills such…